Connecting Crystal

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I'm just a girl in the world.. that kind of likes to write. Mom of 2 teen girls & work as Talent Attraction & Marketing professional. Oh, & I'm addicted to my phone, Social Media, HR/Talent Marketing & Caffeine... you can learn more about me at www.linkedin.com/in/theonecrystal

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Every gal over the age of let’s say… 10… understands the value of beautiful bling. We are taught from ‘girl-hood’ that accessories make an outfit and the most coveted item you’ll ever own is your engagement/wedding RING. And the 30 BILLION DOLLARS Americans spend a year on jewelry (fashion & luxury)? Is total evidence to the iconic status of the bling. We buy it online, in stores, and even in our homes. Companies such as Silpada, Lia Sophia,(1) and Premiere Designs made home-party jewelry shopping a ‘household staple’ (no pun intended). The premise is you go to someone’s house who ‘Hosts/Hostesses’ the party and gets free stuff based off the amount of the party sales. In return for the stuff you buy? The Host/Hostess feeds you. 🙂 So, when I was invited to a home jewelry party for this evening a couple of weeks back? It didn’t really phase me.

But, when I went tonight? It was SO.MUCH.FUN – and totally different than what I was expecting. There were 2 tables full of serving trays, stands, and bowls of different jewels, beads, and baubles for me to choose from. I could then design how I wanted those laid out on a variety of necklaces or bracelets. Let me tell you, for a chick who loves jewelry?? This was Christmas, Easter, New Year’s and a great kiss all rolled into one! I got a little funky with my charm bracelet – but, it was to be expected once I saw the cute turquoise shoe that totally went with half the blue/turquoise-accented White House/Black Market clothing I had recently purchased. (2) I also made a really cute, clustered flower necklace/earrings that coordinate well with my WH/BM stuff. All in all? It was a win. See pics below.

This was the last “Build Your Bling” party – which made me a little sad that I hadn’t discovered this ‘gem’ sooner. Of course, while affordable, at $80 for the evening? My pocketbook didn’t mind that tonight was my first foray with them – I could definitely do some damage with them over time! Seriously, though, it IS affordable when you think about how I got three very intricate, semi-custom pieces that they assembled right in front of me. The company is moving into… you guessed it! Direct Sales. Look for them as JuJu Belle starting late June/Early July, I think. I’ve linked their Facebook page for you to check out their wares – some SERIOUSLY cute charms.

What I enjoyed the most, though? Was not the cute jewelry -which again, LOVE- but the conversation and social dynamic. Out of the 10-15 ladies that were there that evening? I came in only knowing the hostess, Rhiannon. By the time I left? I had made acquaintance with most of them and got networking information for at least half. We talked about ‘vagazzling’ (3), how toddlers will ignore 90% of what you say but will pick up on curse words 100% of the time.. with funny examples. I got to do a little campaigning for my Council run and found out that the copy of ‘It’s Complicated’ that I had rented intending on watching with someone I’ve been getting to know? I should stop stalling on and watch IMMEDIATELY – but could skip ‘Lovely Bones’ (4). We griped about our diets, oohed and aahed over my kickin’ shoes and fashion in general; and bonded over Sex and the City. These were the kinds of social interactions that most of us look forward to and just don’t get enough of with all of our busy calendars and commitments. Kind of makes me want to host a party… we’ll see when JuJu Belle launches… 😉 In the meantime, I’ll just enjoy the bling I made tonight and count the minutes before one of my kids try to swipe my charm bracelet!!

(1) I linked to my favorite Lia Sophia rep’s page- she’s awesome and has even been in print for her party prowess. 😉 No, I did not receive any compensation for this – she doesn’t even know I did it – but, if you buy from her, please mention my blog so -I- know the depths of my own influence (read the tagline: It IS all about ME, after all! 😉 ).

(2) Check the ‘Sale’ section and You’re Welcome. Code 9076 should get you 20% off for at least another week or two. Again, you’re welcome. 🙂

(3) Props to Jennifer Love Hewitt for the new culture-reference – this particular evening we were discussing about what happens AFTER you ‘vagazzle?’ Because, seriously, that’s gotta just be for looks – as the token guy/aka ‘Stacy’s husband’ in the room said? “The friction would va-suck” – hellooooo, chafing!

(4) Something my ex-husband told me months ago and I wish I had heard again BEFORE I tried to watch it the other night. The Lovely Bones? Anything but lovely, IMO.